Explore the powerful writing of James Baldwin -- novelist, playwright, essayist, poet and activist -- in a four-part series available on Zoom. Texts include "No Name in the Street," "The Fire Next Time," "Blues for Mister Charlie" and "If Beale Street Could Talk" along with video documentaries and interviews. Curated by Dr. Janis Mayes (department of African American Studies at Syracuse University). Dr. Greg Thomas (Tufts University) to lead a guest discussion. Space is limited, and you must pre-register to participate; wait list by request. Made possible through the generosity of Humanities New York. This free virtual reading & discussion group meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 7, 22 and Nov. 5 and 19. (Note the first session is on a Wednesday; the remainder of the sessions are on Thursdays. Contact Kimberly Griffiths with questions at kgriffiths@everson.org.

The Black Artist Collective (BAC) will host a Say Their Names Memorial from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. The event will honor and uplift the names of Black and Brown lives lost to racism, injustice and senseless police violence in Syracuse. Organizers will "say their names," celebrate their lives and come together in a mindset of collective consciousness for organizing, healing and justice. The free outdoor event takes place on the Bethany Baptist Church grounds at 149 Beattie St. in Syracuse.

A total of 11 food trucks will come to the Onondaga Community College campus two Thursdays in October -- 15th & 22nd — for Food Truck Frenzy. Food trucks will be in parking lot 13, which is directly in front of the SRC Arena. All proceeds will benefit the OCC Foundation’s Lazer Response Fund which supports OCC students who face unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19.

The Food Truck Frenzy lineup for Oct. 15 includes: Birdsong Cafe, PB&J’s Lunchbox, Cue Dogs, Oompa Loompyas, Skippys and Toss & Fire. Also, American Dining Creations will be there both days serving apple treats and cider.

Anyone coming to campus must go through the college's screening process while still in their vehicles. Screening includes a no-touch temperature check and a series of Covid-related questions. Masks and social distancing are required on the OCC campus.

If you’re looking for a creative way to use those fall vegetables, then join this live virtual cooking demonstration with Chef Tiesha Muhammed-Bey, owner of Bad Vegen Café. Learn how to make a vegan West African peanut soup using seasonal ingredients from local food producer Brady Farm. Enjoy a special viewing of bowls created by acclaimed ceramist David MacDonald, as Chef Muhammed-Bey plates the Peanut soup.

Chef Muhammed-Bey will be joined by Garth Johnson, the Everson Museum’s Paul Phillips and Sharon Sullivan, the curator of ceramics, who will share one of the museum’s most precious treasures—a water dispenser created by legendary Nigerian potter Ladi Kwali. Kwali studied under British potter Michael Cardew, and made many trips abroad to share her knowledge about African pottery and demonstrate her work. The recipe will be provided in your registration confirmation.

Cost is $6.40 for Everson Museum members and $8 for non-members. Attendees must pre-register.

To learn more, contact Qiana Williams at qwilliams@everson.org.

For the past several years, the Building Men Program has held a Breakfast Fundraiser to gather with the community, share food and come together in support of its mission. In light of the pandemic and wanting to keep everyone safe, the group has re-envisioned this event. Instead, supporters will be able to hear from the young men and alumni; view program highlights and awards, and learn what the new vision for the future is during a virtual breakfast.

Join Building Men Program for this physically-distant breakfast and watch local celebrities and Building Men staff and friends in a basketball free throw contest. All encouraged to make your favorite type of breakfast food and join at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

A West Genesee Walk for Peace will be held Saturday, Oct. 17. This event will include a short walk throughout the town of Camillus and end in a teach-in at West Genesee High School. The teach-in event will include sessions where participants can learn about local community organizations via a series of 30-minute informational sessions and information booths. To learn more, contact Keith Newvine at konewvine@gmail.com or (315) 771-8928 or Kathryn Ta at  kathryn.aurelia.hess@gmail.com or (315) 569-4087.

A total of 11 food trucks will come to the Onondaga Community College campus two Thursdays in October -- 15th & 22nd — for Food Truck Frenzy. Food trucks will be in parking lost 13, which is directly in front of the SRC Arena. All proceeds will benefit the OCC Foundation’s Lazer Response Fund which supports OCC students who face unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19.

The Food Truck Frenzy lineup for Oct. 22 includes: Angry Pig BBQ, Cluck n Burger, Bob Barkers, Naan Ya Business and Skippys Ice Cream. Also, American Dining Creations will be there both days serving apple treats and cider.

Anyone coming to campus must go through the college's screening process while still in their vehicles. Screening includes a no-touch temperature check and a series of Covid-related questions. Masks and social distancing are required on the OCC campus.

Join The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program for an orientation session to learn about the URM foster care program. Space will be limited to allow for social distancing. All interested participants should contact URM's home finder Cathy Southwick to register in advance by calling (315) 424-1845. Participants will learn about what makes the URM program unique and what sets Toomey apart from other local foster care agencies. Interested participants will also be given an application if they decide that they would like to pursue foster parent certification.

There's an urgent need for donors during these uncertain times. To support social distancing, appointments are strongly encouraged. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: EXPO2020 or use the Blood Donor App.

Additionally, The American Red Cross is committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic. For a limited time, the American Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to our donors. If you’re eligible and feeling well, we recommend scheduling an appointment now.